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Wilder Weather Headed Your Way

(Washington, DC – November 18, 2011) A new report by some of the world’s top researchers confirms climate change will make the extreme weather the U.S. has seen over the past year even worse.

“We've all been experiencing these extreme weather events, and this report provides the strongest evidence of the links between impacts dangerous weather and climate change,” said Steve Hamburg, Chief Scientist for Environmental Defense Fund. “Now we need to start using this data to find ways to protect ourselves and our communities.”

This report was released November 18 by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. It synthesizes two years work from 100 experts who analyze data from all over the world. Their conclusion: climate change is bringing us more extreme weather, and it’s likely to get worse and have greater negative impacts over the next century.

Here in the United States, we’re likely to see:

Higher temperatures and more hot days through the next century (Record-breaking heat that would have been a once-in-20-year high are likely to become a one-in-two-year event)

More frequent and heavier rains, especially in winter

Stronger hurricanes that will do more damage

Increased droughts, especially in the center of the country

Higher sea levels, which means more coastal erosion and other damage

All these changes will affect our agriculture, water supplies, health – even tourism.

Dr. Hamburg is available to provide context on this important report, as well as to discuss what local impacts might look like in various regions of the country.